Volume 1, Issue 5
APRIL 2013
THE RESILIENT WARRI OR Serving Our CT National Guard Soldiers and Airmen MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA
civic life. self-esteem and low of the military believe Three major categories self-image, and as a that seeking treatment of mental health reresult they refrain from for mental health chalDespite growing knowl- lated stigma exist: taking an active role in lenges may jeopardize edge of how to diag“Public stigma” envarious areas of life, their careers. Returnnose and treat mental compasses the attisuch as employment, ing veterans face chalillnesses, myths and tudes and feelings ex- housing and social life. lenges in navigating misperceptions about pressed by many in the Active-duty military the Veteran Adminithese disorders persist, general personnel have signifi- stration (VA) system to leading to stigma and public toward persons cantly higher rates of access mental health discrimination toward living with mental major depression, gen- services. those who suffer from health challenges or eralized anxiety, and Envision a future them. Studies have their family members. post-traumatic stress where people affected shown that one of the “Institutional stigma” disorder than the gen- by mental health chalcentral obstacles is the occurs when negative eral population; as lenges are socially innegative stigma atattitudes and behaviors many as 17 percent of cluded, valued, and tached to mental illness about mental illness, those stationed in Iraq supported in their wellby society at large, including social, emoand Afghanistan met ness and recovery, which is much more tional, and behavioral the criteria for one of education, housing, powerful than labels at- problems, are incorpo- those three conditions. employment, health tached to people with rated into the policies, Of those military percare, and other needs other disabilities. practices, and cultures sonnel, less than 40 in order to live a fulfillStigma refers to attiof organizations and percent sought mental ing and productive life. tudes and beliefs that social systems, such health care, and many This vision of mental lead people to reject, as education, health reported being conwellness will emerge avoid, or fear those they care, cerned about stigma through raising awareperceive as being differ- and employment. and discrimination be- ness, education, and ent. Discrimination oc“Self-stigma” occurs cause of their mental concerted action at all curs when people and when individuals inter- health challenges. levels. entities act upon these nalize the disrespectful Many current members -Susan Tobenkin attitudes and images that socibeliefs in ways that can ety, a community, deprive others of their or a peer group rights and life opportuni- perpetuate, which Share your experience with mental illness. Your ties. Discrimination can may lead many story can convey to others that having a mental illinclude behaviors that individuals to reresult in the exclusion ness is nothing to be embarrassed about. frain from seeking or marginalization of treatment for their Help people with mental illness reenter society. others, as well as illegal mental health conSupport their efforts to obtain treatment. acts of abuse or actions ditions. This Respond to false statements about mental illness that deprive people of stigma may lead to their civil rights, access social exclusion. or people with mental illnesses. Many people to fair housing options, People with a have wrong and damaging ideas on the subject. Acopportunities for emmental illness with curate facts and information may help change both ployment, education, elevated selftheir ideas and actions. Mental health issues have a and full participation in stigma report low great impact on military operations.
3 Ways to Combat Stigma
B E H AV I O R A L H E A LT H T E A M MISSION:
MAJ Alvarado, LCSW: 860-883-2035 SGT Soucy, BHT: 860-691-6025 Susan Tobenkin, LCSW: 860-830-8991 Michael Dutko, LPC, LADC: 860-946-9810
No service member should ever feel alone. Our goal is support and advocate for Soldiers and airmen of the Connecticut National Guard by providing resources, referral and support to those service members. We aim to improve unit readiness and psychological health of our Connecticut National Guard Service Members through outreach and case management. Every attempt will be made to ensure service members and their families are receiving the support they require. The CTNG Behavioral Health Team will promote suicide prevention and awareness as well as provide case management services to the Soldiers and airmen of the Connecticut National Guard.
Susan Tobenkin The Behavioral Health Team is pleased to announce that Mrs. Susan Tobenkin has been hired as our new CTNG Behavioral Health Specialist. We want to take a moment to thank all the applicants for their time. Mrs. Susan Tobenkin has decided to leave her position as the CTNG Director of Psychological Health (DPH) and will begin to transition to the role of CTNG Behavioral Health Specialist. Mrs. Tobenkin is an invaluable member of the Behavioral Health Team and she is eager to continue to serve our soldiers and airmen. NGB Psychological Health contract, has been officially awarded to Goldbelt Glacier Health Services LLC and over the next few weeks we will work with the contractor to hire a Director of Psycho-logical Health for the Army and a DPH for The Air Guard.
APRIL’S FEATURED RESOURCES CT National Guard Service Member & Family Support Center Kimberly Hoffman Phone: 860.613.7495 Email: Kimberly.j.hoffman.civ@mail.mil
Transition Assistance Advisor Daniel Mchale (GEN RET) Phone: 860.524.4908 Email: Daniel.j.mchale.ctr@mail.mil
OIF/OEF/OND Committee: The OIF/OEF/OND Committee is a collaborative effort of Federal, State, and Community based resources that seek to improve the quality of life for Connecticut’s Military Community. The Committee focuses on coordination, collaboration, community capacity building, education, training and facilitating strategic partnerships for the benefit of the State’s Service Members and their Families.